Archaeology 4 Schools is excited to offer Presentations, Workshops, and Excavation Experiences specifically designed to meet the MA Fourth Grade Standards. However, they are also appropriate and can be adapted for Grades 3 and 5. We work with independent schools to tie programs into the curriculum. A4S loves to visit Summer Programs, Home Schools, Libraries, and Camps, too! Choose from one or more of the following components.
Presentation
The presentation runs approximately 1 hour and is designed for a whole grade level in a larger space such as a library or auditorium with a screen. It gives an overview of the theories of Native American migration, the clues we have, and how archaeologists find and interpret those clues. The Presentation can be held as a stand-alone or may be followed by Hands-on Workshops in the classroom.
Hands-on Workshop
In each classroom, students take part in a ~80 to 90-minute workshop (depending on student participation). The Workshop introduces students to some of the ways archaeologists incorporate oral history and documents (especially primary sources) into their research through an interactive simulation. Students try their hand at laboratory work, analyze artifacts, and use evidence to make conclusions about unfamiliar cultures. This program is designed for up to 25 students in a classroom or learning lab setting.
Excavation Program
During the Excavation Program, Jeff leads an excavation on school grounds or within close walking distance to the school (prior permission for a specific location must be granted) to give students the opportunity to participate in a real “dig.” Jobs and roles will be taught and assigned (as students’ abilities allow) on a rotating basis so that all students have an opportunity to experience different aspects of an excavation. Student roles include mappers, surveyors, excavators, sifters, measurers, artifact drawers/artists, and cleaners. The site chosen to be excavated can be “pre-seeded” with small artifacts or can be dug “as is.” Students should be prepared to do a bit of physical work (as students’ abilities allow) and to get dirty!
Consecutive excavations can be arranged so that as many classes as needed can be accommodated and can participate (for example, one hour per class). An excavation experience can encompass one half-day (3 hours), one full day (5 hours), or be spread over a couple of days, depending on the scope of the excavation and the teachers’ goals. Since this program occurs outdoors, fall and spring are ideal times. Accommodations will be made for weather delays.
Pricing
10% discount when you choose two programs
15% discount for all three!
- Whole group presentation: $425
- Classroom workshop: $375 each
(Because of the length of the workshop, I recommend doing no more than 2 classroom workshops per day if you are also choosing the whole group presentation. Additional workshops in the same school can be done the next day.)
- Excavation program:
$700 for a half-day (3 hours)
$950 for a full day (5 hours)
$1,400 for a day and a half
$1,700 for two full days
- Travel fees: $.75 per mile round trip